Jone Senibiau appeared before Justice Achala Wengappuli yesterday at the High Court in Labasa.

He had pleaded ‘not guilty’ and was convicted for raping a young widow.

Justice Wengappuli said: “The ensuing trial lasted for two days during which the complainant and the Police officer who recorded your caution interview statement have given evidence for the prosecution while you opted to remain silent.

“At the reviewal of the trial; having reviewed the evidence and its summing up to the assessors this court decided to accept their unanimous opinion and found you guilty and convicted you to the count of rape.

“The following facts were proven during the trial that you are a known person to the complainant and on the night of the 19th of March 2015 at about 2:45am the complainant woke up when she felt someone, first touching her…without her consent.

“She saw your face and identified you when you were squatting on the other side of the netting, which separated both of you.

“She saw your face from her solar lamp. You then ran away.”

Justice Wengappuli said the aggravating factors were significant degree of planning, taking advantage of the victim’s vulnerability as a young widow and invasion into her privacy in the late night.

Senibiau was told that he would need to serve eight-and-half-years before he was eligible for parole.

He was given 30 days to make an appeal.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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